Workplace Safety & Health: Committee on Workplace Security

About Workplace Safety and Health

Workplace safety and health refers to the management and control of hazards arising in or from the workplace that could impair the health and well-being of workers. In the specific working environment of football players safety & health refers to a wide range of workforce issues that impact their health and well-being.

The term safety & health, in relation to work in professional football, indicates not merely the absence of physical injury; it also includes the mental elements affecting health which are directly related to safety at work. 

The protection of professional football players from being injured or facing a risk to their health and well-being in the employment context from non-sporting related threats within and around the stadium on match days, during training at their training facility or other official employment related activities. The focus includes both physical (e.g. throwing of objects, violent attacks, invasions onto the pitch, etc.) and non-physical abuse (e.g. threatening verbal attacks, the use of banners or other imagery that incites violence, etc.).

Background and Purpose: 

The Committee on Violence in Football Stadiums is established to address and mitigate instances of violence, that jeopardize player safety. The committee's goal is to find ways to promote security and workplace safety within stadiums, match day environments and training grounds by developing strategies, protocols, and initiatives.

The committee acts In accordance, with the ‘Convention on an Integrated Safety, Security and Service Approach at Football Matches and Other Sports Events’ and relevant ILO convention such as convention 155 to provide an integrated and holistic approach to improving player safety & health standards as a key part of their working conditions.

Composition:

The committee shall comprise representatives from the following constituencies:

• Four (4) Player Representatives nominated by FIFPRO
• Four (4) League Representatives nominated by the WLF
• Plus 2 people of the GLA (FIFPRO/WLF) Administration

The Committee, as the case may be, will invite Security Experts with expertise in stadium security, crowd management, and crisis response and Fan Representatives who can contribute to understanding fan behavior and engagement.

Roles and Responsibilities:

The committee's core responsibilities include

• Reviewing incidents of violence[1].
• Developing strategies and action plans to prevent violence, especially situations that endanger players' safety and disrupt matches.
• Collaborating with key stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, and fan groups, to implement effective violence prevention and management initiatives.
• Monitoring the implementation of existing and future measures, assessing their impact, and making necessary adjustments to enhance safety.
• Recommending appropriate safeguards for players and other safety measures to ensure the integrity and safety at football matches.
• Review and advise on reporting, investigations, sanctions and penalties for individuals or entities involved in violent incidents.
• Promoting education and awareness initiatives to foster understanding about the significance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment.

Meetings and Reporting:

The committee shall convene regularly to discuss developments, findings, progress, and strategies, either in person or virtually. Reports of each meeting shall be shared among all committee members. Progress reports and recommendations shall be submitted periodically to relevant GLA bodies.

All GLA members of the WLF or FIFPRO can call on the committee to share evidence on incidents for intelligence gathering, evaluation or mediation.

Duration and Review:

The committee shall operate for an initial term of one (1) year, with evaluations to gauge effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.

Funding and Resources:

Financial support for the committee's activities shall be provided by the WLF and FIFPRO.

These "Terms of Reference" outline the committee's mandate to address violence in stadiums, particularly incidents jeopardizing player safety and match integrity.

[1] E.g. Throwing objects, Firecrackers, flares and Bengalos (on the pitch), Physical attacks on players, Fans invading the pitch to violently attack players, Celebratory pitch invasions (after goals or at the end of matches), Crowds rioting, Threatening songs, chants and banners etc., Spectators attempting to gain access to dressing rooms, mixed areas etc, Fans attempting to access training grounds, The use of weapons, Physical violence against the family and friends of players in the stadium, Abuse during visits to the stands to seek fan dialogue post or pre-match, Attacks on team buses or individual car, etc.